Information

When the Surgery is Closed

If you need urgent medical advice or attention outside normal hours please telephone the Night, Evenings and Weekend Service on 01270 273666. This is based at Leighton Hospital and organised by Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT.

We will close for one afternoon a month for staff training. Please check with the Practice or on the Patient News page for dates.

Your Information

Any information we hold about you will be kept in the strictest confidence. However, there may be times when we need to share information about you with others, for example a consultant to whom you have been referred. We have a leaflet explaining more fully how we will use information held about you. If you would like one, please ask at reception.

You are entitled to see any information we hold for you. If you do need access to your records, please contact the Office Manager, and she will discuss your requirements. There will be a charge in some cases, as access often requires staff time and copying costs, depending upon what’s needed.

You can get advice and treatment on common ailments at your local pharmacy. Under the minor ailments scheme they can offer medication at the price of a prescription, or for free if you don’t normally pay. Under the scheme you can get treatment for a number of conditions including sore throats, earache, hayfever, head lice, simple eye infections and vaginal thrush. Many pharmacists can also provide emergency contraception

Concerns, Comments and Complaints

We are happy to receive suggestions to help improve our services. If you have a comment or complaint about any aspect of our services please let us know. Our practice operates a formal complaints procedure. Please contact the Practice Manager initially with any matter of concern.

Self-Help

Sore throats

The majority of these settle on their own in a few days. Gargle with soluble paracetamol and then swallow it. Repeat four times a day. Most sore throats are viral and antibiotics will not therefore help.

Colds, coughs and stuffy noses

These are caused by viruses and even in this day and age there is NO CURE. Antibiotics can only kill bacteria, which are a completely different organism. Paracetamol will relieve the headache, sore throat and aching muscles as well as bring down the fever. The illness will last five to six days, but the cough may persist for up to 3 weeks.

Vomiting and diarrhoea

This usually settles within a few days. Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids – frequent small amounts are best. Dioralyte or Rehidrat available at the chemist are useful to replace the water and salts lost, especially in young children. Adults or child should not have any solid food or milk for 24 hours. Breast feeding should however be continued. If symptoms persist for more than 24-36 hours or if a child seems weak or ill, then contact the doctor.

Fever (raised temperature)

A fever is natural with most illnesses. If you or your child feel hot or unwell, simple measures to lower the temperature will make you feel more comfortable.

Keep the room cool. Don’t wrap the patient up, even if they say they feel cold. Leave the body exposed to allow the excess heat to escape from the body, especially in children.

Give plenty of cool drinks.

Give paracetamol every four hours up to four times a day.

Sponge down with a tepid flannel if very hot.

If a child does not improve, they should be seen by a doctor. It will not make the child worse to take them out in a pram to see the doctor – indeed fresh air may well help.

Chickenpox

Rash appears as small red patches with itchy blisters.

The rash will dry up and crust over in about four to five days.

The child is infectious for five days after the last spot appears.

Avoid contact with pregnant women.

Calamine lotion and cool baths will help the itch.

Phenergan medicine from the chemist can also help.

Earache

Earache can be caused by excess ear wax, catarrh or infection.

If a child gets earache, regular doses of paracetamol medicine eg Calpol, can help. If the earache does not settle within 12 -24 hours, consult a doctor.

Hay fever

This is worse when the pollen count is high. It causes itchy, watering eyes, sneezing and runny nose. Antihistamine tablets or medicine provide effective relief. These can be bought without prescription at your chemist, as can nasal sprays and eye drops. The Triage Nurse can also arrange prescriptions where appropriate.

Back pain

Usually begins as a strain caused by poor lifting technique. Always bend your knees and keep your back straight. Rest your back on a firm bed and maintain good posture when walking.

Painkillers and rest is usually all that is required. If back pain does not start to improve within a few days, then consult your triage nurse or doctor for advice.

Sunburn

Sunburn (including that from sunbeds) is bad for your skin. Children are particularly susceptible. Cool the skin with cool water and apply calamine lotion. Paracetamol and an antihistamine will reduce the reaction. High factor sun block and hats are advisable in all but the mildest of exposure to harmful rays of the sun.

Burns

Immediately apply large quantities of cold water and continue for several minutes at least.

If the skin becomes blistered, keep it clean and dry.

DO NOT BURST THE BLISTERS.

If the burn is more than a few inches across or the skin is broken, contact casualty, practice nurse, or a doctor.

Cystitis

This is common in women, and causes a burning sensation on passing urine.

Drink plenty of fluids. If symptoms do not settle, consult the Triage Nurse, who will often be able to arrange for treatment.

Head lice

Found in clean hair as often as dirty hair.
Spread by head-to-head contact.
A medicated head lotion can be obtained from chemists.
Treat all affected members of the family and notify the school.
The Triage Nurse can arrange a prescription where appropriate.

Threadworms

Small white worms are seen in the motion.

Suspect threadworms if there is scratching around the anus, especially at night.